Lyrics translation:
I drink to the health of a few, a few but faithful friends,
Friends implacably steadfast among the temptations of changeable days.
I drink to the health of faraway friends,
Far away but dear to my heart,
To friends who, just as I am, are lonely among other people
Who don't understand what's in their hearts.
Tears flow into my chalice of wine,
But their stream is pure and sweet,
Just like black roses are interwoven with scarlet ones
In the festal wreath I wear.
I raise my chalice to the health of a few,
A few but faithful friends,
Friends implacably steadfast
Among the temptations of changeable days.
To the health of those nearby and those far away,
Far away but dear to my heart,
And to the memory of lonely friends
Who found rest in silent graves.
Chorus:
To the health of those nearby and those far away,
Far away but dear to my heart,
And to the memory of lonely friends
Who found rest in silent graves.